He finally got there! High school dropout Mark Wahlberg graduates at the ripe old age of 42

This summer you may have seen Mark Wahlberg on the silver screen, but during his time off he's been studying to obtain his high school diploma.

The 42-year-old actor dropped out of school after he entered the ninth grade.

Fortunately he made the fantastic decision to further his education by taking online courses for the last year.

High school graduate: Mark Wahlberg surprised fans with news that he's obtained his high school diploma on Monday

He revealed the exciting news of finally becoming a high school graduate in an interview with the Huffington Post, saying: 'I was fortunate to find out I could attend high school online. For almost a year, I've been taking classes and studying any change I could get- on the set, traveling for work and at home.'

Walhberg hopes that his hard work and dedication has inspired both children and adults that have the urge to quit, to not give up.

He added, 'I have a message for you:never give up. Keep believing in yourselves and don't make small plans.'

New man: The 42-year-old dropped out of high school as a ninth grader, but is now motivated to study film at USC

Brotherly love: The married dad used to be a nuisance as a young man

Small plans, he has not, receiving his diploma was just the first step that Mark wants to take, when it comes to his education.

'I
would love to go to USC and study film. I don't want to become a
veterinarian or anything [I want to study] things that further my career
and broaden my horizon,' the father recently told People.

The Fighter star is set to executive produce the upcoming TV movie The Missionary.